Gibson, a Michigan native, was drafted by the Tigers and played for them from 1979-1987 and from 1993-95. He served as the team's bench coach from 2003-05.

"I follow the Tigers because I was a Tiger fan growing up as a young boy, [I] still have season tickets there since about 1980," Gibson said. "When we're not in the playoffs and they are, I go to the games. I follow all [manager Brad Ausmus'] stuff on a daily basis so I'm pretty familiar with the way it goes. At the same time, I'd like to beat their butt just like we wanted to beat the Cubs [Sunday]."

Gibson helped the Tigers win the 1984 World Series and is still one of the organization's most popular former players.

"They've been great," Gibson said of the Tigers. "They've treated me great and they've been generous to me. I know Dave [Dombrowski] is an excellent president and GM. I tend to pull for them except today, tomorrow and the next day."

Adam Lichtenstein is an associate reporter for MLB.com. Steve Gilbert is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Inside the D-backs, and follow him on Twitter @SteveGilbertMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.